Continuous film printer with automatic control of electromagnetically actuated shutter operating means



1952 A. E. REEVES 2,583,342

CONTINUOUS FILM PRINTER WITH AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF ELECTROMAGNETICALLY ACTUATED SHUTTER OPERATING MEANS Filed Sept. 21, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet l J INVENTOR A/f/w/ f. [Peeves dz/4 ATTORNEY 1811- 1952 A. E. REEVES counuuous FILM PRINTER WITH AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF ELECTROMAGNETICALLY ACTUATED SHUTTER OPERATING mums 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 21, 1946 INVENTOR Arf/vur f. Peeves ATTORNEY 1952 A. E. REEVES 2,583,342

CONTINUOUS FILM PRINTER WITH AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF ELECTROMAGNETICALLY ACTUATED SHUTTER OPERATING MEANS Filed Sept. 21, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ,445-5 //4e /7 %/45 [/4511 I!IIIIIIM%%IIIIA T 1 r 64-4 64 65\ \'-i O 4/7hur E Peeves BY W Z 444 ATTORNEY 1952 A. E. REEVES 2,583,342

commuous FILM PRINTER WITH AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF ELBCTROMAGNETICALLY ACTUATED SHUTTER OPERATING MEANS Filed Sept. 21, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 ,4/ 7720/ 5. A 4? eves rfi/zw ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 22, 1952 CONTINUOUS FILM- PRINTER WITH AUTO- MATIC CONTROL OF ELECTROMAGNETI- CALLY ACTUATED SHUTTER OPERATING ,MEAN S Arthur E. Reeves, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application September 21, 1946, Serial No. 698,416

16 Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus for accurateiy determining the light requirements for photographic printing, and particularly for determlning such requirements for printing colored motion picture film. r

In a patent issued to Arthur E. Reeves on Jannary 3, 1939, entitled Photoaraphic Exposure Tester" and bearing No. 2,142,413, an apparatus 3 shown by the aid or which the time of exposure. and the amount of light required for printin: black and white motion picture film, can be determined accurately.

it is an obiect of this invention to provide an improved form of such apparatus, as well as one having a simplified mode 01. operation.

- It is; another object of this invention to provide such an apparatus having improved means for determining the time or exposure.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus by the aid of which the time of exposure and the amount, as well as the charactor. of the light required for printing colored him may be determined.-

. Asis well understood, a finished negative in colors in addition to variations caused by the difierent light conditions of: its exposure, may accentuate in an undesirable manner one or more of the colors composing the picture. For example, the picture may appear too red. According- 1y, it is another object of this invention to proapparatus for determinin in a simple manher the color correction to be applied in printin; such a negative to produce a picture in which the colors are properly balanced.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatusby the aid of. which the correction to be applied in printing from a color negativeyby. any one of several color filters, either alone, or in combination with other filters, may be determined readily.

It is still another object of this invention to provide apparatus by the aid of which the result of printing a color negative with different amounts of light, and with or without various color corrections, may be readily observed.

invention possesses many other advantases, other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there ls shown a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. The form will now be described in detail illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of this invention is best defined by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view, partly in elevation, illustrating apparatus incorporating the features of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section, largely schematic, taken as indicated by lines 22 of Fig. 1, and on an enlarged scale, parts of the figure being broken away to reduce its size;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary transverse section, taken as indicated by lines 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a bottom view on an enlarged scale of one of the light control elements, seen as indicated by lines 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view on an enlarged scale, seen as indicated by lines 55 01. Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a detail section, taken as indicated by lines -B-6 on Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is an elevation of the operating means for the means controlling the light source;

Figs. 8 and 9 are detail sections, taken as indicated by the correspondingly numbered lines on Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a detail section, taken as indicated by lines l0|0 on Fig. 8; and

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the control circuit for the apparatus.

Referring to the drawings, particularly Fig. 1, the apparatus is shown as comprising a lighttight housing. I, enclosing an accurately controlled light source 2. The finished negative for which the printing conditions are to be determined. is indicated by 3, and passes over a series of printing openings 4 in the upper part of the housing I. The film 3 may be carried by either of the reels 5 or 6, bein wound from one to the other as the testing proceeds. To permit inspection of the negative 3 for choosing the portions to be tested, as well as to determine the character of the correction to be applied and to facilitate proper positioning of the negative with respest to the printing apertures 4, a series of viewing apertures l is provided exteriorly of the housmg I and in definite spaced relation with respect to the series I.

When a desired portion of the negative 3 has been positioned over the openings 4, light coming from the source 2, and controlled to provide various intensities and color characteristics, is caused to pass through the negative 3 for an accurately determined interval to afiect raw film 8 carried by mechanism 9.

This mechanism 9 operates appropriately to bring the film 8 into printing contact with the negative 3 prior to the exposure, and thereafter to replace the exposed portion of the film 8 with an unexposed portion. After the entire film 8 has been exposed, it is removed and developed, the effects of the light being judged by visual observation or appropriate apparatus. Provisions for controlling printing of the entire negative are then made accordingly.

As previously indicated, the apparatus is intended for use with motion picture film, and, for this purpose, the series of openings 4 comprises a plurality of light wells 15, each having a cross section corresponding with the picture frames on such negative (see Fig. 5). The wells may be formed of sheet metal as a unitary structure I6, extending through an otherwise closed horizontal wall IT in the housing I. The top of the wells I5 is closed by a glass plate 18 for slidingly supporting the negative 3, guide rails l9 and 20, (Figs. 2 and 5) being provided for the edges of the negative. By providing sufficiently deep wells, the illumination through each opening 4 is rendered quite uniform.

The amount of light admitted to each well [5 from the source 2 is controlled by an aperture plate 22 (see Figs. 2 and l) having a plurality of sets of apertures 23, 24, 25, 26 and 21. Each set has an aperture for each well 15, the plate 22 being supported for movement optionally to position any one set to pass light to the wells. Thus, the plate 22 may be slidably mounted in a pair of grooved rails 29 and 35, respectively on the side walls of the housing I. A notched rod 3| extends out of the housing l, and carries a knob 32 which is engaged by a spring detent 33, provided for positioning the plate 22. The upper surface of plate 22 is preferably in contact with the bottom edges of wells l5.

The openings in each set vary progressively from a minimum size to a size substantially equal to that of a frame on the negative 3. The apertures may be of fixed size, as for example those of set 24, and vary at some definite rate such for example, as passing twice as much light as the next smaller opening. Or the effective size of the apertures may be adjustable to permit for example, adjustment to suit special conditions, such as a specific type of printer. Thus, the apertures 34 of the set 23 through the plate 22 may be all equal in size, and quite large. However, each of these openings is covered by a pair of superposed overlapping plates 35 and 35 (see also Fig. 6), having oppositely directed V-notches 35-a and 35-a in their overlapping ends and being secured to plate 22 by screws 31, so that these notches extend over the apertures 34. The heads of these screws overlap the edges of plates 35 and 36. By varying the amount of overlap the size of the opening between the V-notches, 35-a and 36-41 and hence the amount of light passed, may be adjusted to suit the requirements.

To vary the character of the light passed by the plate 22, some of the sets of apertures, for example the sets marked 25, 26 and 21 may be provided respectively with filters 40, 4l and 42. Each of these filters may be, for example, a color filter to correct an undesirable effect in the negative 3, and are adapted to be optionally positioned for use by means of the knob 32. Each of the filters 40, 4|, and 42 may comprise a light transmitting strip of suitable character, detachably supported by grooved rails 43 on the lower side of the plate 22. In this way, filters of different characteristics may be readily employed.

ing 52 and thus expose It is to be understood that adjustable openings, such as provided by the set 23, may be utilized in the other aperture sets, if desired, and further that additional light filters, such as 40, etc., may be employed, so that no unfiltered light passes plate 22.

A ground glass plate 44 (Figs. 1 and 2) is shown as supported just below the aperture plate 22 to diffuse the light entering the light wells 15. This plate may conveniently be supported by grooves in guides 29 and 30. A supplemental filter 45 is mounted below the plate 44, and is pivotally mounted so as to be readily placed in the light path from source 2, or to be positioned clear thereof. A handle 45-a (Fig. 1) may be provided for angularly moving filter 45 to position it either in or out of the light path. Thus, the filter 45 may be used optionally for those apertures, such as in sets 23 and 24, which have no filters, or to supplement any of the filters 40, 4|, or 42.

The light source 2 is shown as comprising an electric lamp 50, such, for example, as one that is energized continuously, while the apparatus is in use. The lamp (Figs. 1 and 2) is mounted in the lower part of the housing I beneath a horizontal partition 5| having a light transmitting opening 52 above the lamp 50. A filter pack 53 may be provided for correcting the light from the lamp 50, if necessary, and a shutter or blade 54 serves normally to prevent light passage through the opening 52. 5

The shutter 54 is operable to uncover the openthe film 8 to the illumination from the lamp 50, and is arranged to determine accurately the duration of such exposure.

For this purpose, lower end of a pendulum pivotally by an antifriction bearing structure 56 on the back wall of the casing I. To adjust the period of the pendulum and thus alter the duration of the film exposure, the pendulum has an extension 51 above the bearing upon which is mounted a counter-weight 58 for adjustment toward and away from the bearing 56.

The normal position of the pendulum 55, preventing passage of light, is shown in full lines in Fig. l, the pendulum 55 being retained in this position by latch mechanism 60 (see also Figs. 7-10). When released, the pendulum 55 swings to the left, substantially to the broken line-position 55-A and then returns, causing the shutter 54 to uncover the opening 52 and then to cover it again.

As is well understood, a pendulum such as 55 will not quite return to its point of release. Accordingly, the latch mechanism 60, just before it is released, is arranged to swing the pendulum a short distance to the right, from its normal position to the broken line position 55-B, thus ensuring the pendulums return to the normal, full line osition.

Referring to Figs. 7-10, the mechanism 30 includes a movable member 6i supported for sliding movement in the direction in which the pendulum 55 moves, when near its normal position, by a guide member 62 secured to the back wall of the housing I. The member 6! is of U-shaped cross section having a longitudinally extending center space 63 for accommodating a latch member 54, which is pivotally mounted on a pin 65 carried by the member SI, and passing through the space 63.

The latch member 84 has a forward extension the blade 54 is secured to the 55, which is mounted provided with a-hooi 84-01 for. engagingthe pendulum rod '88, and a rearward extension "-1: engaged by a compression spring 81. The member 64 is urged about the pin into pendulumengaging position by the spring 81.

Another .compression spring 88, confined between therear of the member ii and a lug 88 on the guide member 82', urges the member 6| forwardly against astop provided by pin 18. This pin III is moimted in ears I2 and 18, formed onopposite sidesof the guide member 82, and extends through the member 8|. Slots II and I8 are formed in the member 8|, on opposite sides of the space 83, for accommodating the pin I8. As clearly shown i'n-Figs. 8 and 10, pin 18, by engaging the rear end of slots 18 and I5, limits outward movement of the member 8I. These figures, 8 and 10, show the normal positions of the parts which serve, by engagement of the hook Ill-a with thependulum rod 66, to maintain the pendulum 85 in itsnormal position.

Movement of member 8| to the right serves to move the pendulum to its releasing position 88-B (Fig. '1) and thereafter causes the latch 84 to release the pendulum rod 86. For this purpose, the latch 64 has a cam surface 8H, which is adapted to engage the fixed pin I8, and swing the latch 84 outwardly (downwardly in Fig. 8) about pin 88 upon a predetermined movement of member 8| tothe right. This causes the hook 84-e to move out of engagement with the rod 68, and the pendulumis then free to swing to the left.

For moving the member 8| topendulum releasing position, a projection I6 is formed on the member 8| for engagement'by a tooth or notch 11 on an operating arm 18 pivoted at 18 on one arm 880! a bell crank 8|. This bell crank 8| is pivotally mounted on the back wall of the housing l, as by a shoulder screw 82, and is arranged for operation by a solenoid 88. The armature 84 of this solenoid is suitably connected to the other bell crank arm 85.

When the solenoid 83 is deenergized the bell crank 8| is maintained against a stop 88, (Fig. 7), as by a tension spring 81 secured to the end of the arm 88. -Inthis position the arm 18 rests on the projection I8 with the tooth II in position to engage-the projection '18; (see Fig. 7).

Upon energization of the solenoid 83, the bell crank 8| is swung clockwise, causing tooth 11 to engage the projection I8 and mov the member H to the right until the pendulum 88 is released. As the pendulum 55 swings to the left, a pin 88 carried by the pendulum rod 88 engages on inclined cam surface 88 formed on a. downward extension 98 of the free end of the arm 18, and swings the arm 18 upwardly to disengage the tooth TI from projection- I8. This allows the member 8| and latch 88 to. return to their normal positionsunder the influence of spring 88.

On the return swing of the pendulum 55, the .pin 88 engages an oppositely inclined cam surface 8|v on the lever extension 88. raising the extension to permit passage of the pin 88. As the pendulum 58 approaches its normal position, the rod 88 contacts the inclined face 82 of the hook 88-11:, swinging the latch 84 about its pivot 88 to permit passage of the rod 88 and engagement thereof by the hook 84-a. This completes a cycle of operation by the. pendulum It will be apparent that soon after the pendulum 88 is released. the blade 84 uncovers the light aperture 82, and that'the'apa'ture 82 remama uncovered imtilthemdulmnil hatrefilm magazines III and H2.

turned nearly to its normal position. Since the position of release and the normal latched position are accurately located, the interval of time during which the aperture 82 is uncovered and the film 8 exposed is determined by the period of the pendulum 8i, and thus maintained with great accuracy in accordance with the adjustment of the pendulum.

The mechanism 8 for handling the raw film 8 will now be described. Since this film 8 is color sensitive it will not tolerate exposure to light of any kind. Accordingly, the negative 8 enters and leaves the housing I through openings i8. (Figs. 1 and 3) provided in the opposite side walls thereof and rendered light tight in a conventional manner, as, for example, by pairs of cooperating spring pressed felt rollers diagrammatically indicated at IN and I02. The negative 3 passes into the housing I between the rollers of one pair, thence onto the glass plate I8 covering the light wells I5, and out of the housing I between the rollers of the other pair.

To facilitate access to the mechanism 9, for

example, to remove the exposed film 8 and load unexposed film, the upper part of the housing I, in which this mechanism 9 is positioned, is arranged to open. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, this upper part or head indicated by I-a, is separated from the main part of the housing by a light tight joint I88, lying substantially in the plane of the negative 3. Additionally, the head i-a may be provided with one or more access doors I-b in its front wall.

The head I-a is preferably hinged, as at I84, and may be provided with conventional clamps or other means I05 to maintain it in closed position. The upper light sealing rollers "II are mounted in the head I-a, so that, when the head is swung to open position, the negative 3 may be readily placed in position on the printing openings 4 or removed from the housing.

The mechanism 9 comprises a frame II 0 having a vertically extending plate I III-a upon which are detachably mounted conventional light tight The magazine III contains the unexposed portion of the film 8, the film extending from the magazine over an idler sprocket H8, and thence along the under surface of a pressure foot IIIJ-b on the lower part of the frame III) to a driven sprocket Ill, and thence into the other magazine H2.

The foot IIIl-b has a length somewhat greater than that of the light well structure I6 and a width substantially equal to that of the film. Further, the frame H8 is supported above the printing structure It for movement to bring the raw film 8 into contactv with the negative 3, or to space the foot IIIl-b above the negative 8 to allow the film 8 to be advanced.

For this purpose, the frame III) has pairs of spaced bosses H5, H8 and H1, H8 formed on the back thereof, which are slidable respectively on vertically disposed guide rods H9 and I20, suitably supported in the head I-a. The rods II! and I20 have collars I2I and I22 fixed thereon respectively. These collars support compression springs I28 and I24 which, by engagement with the upper bosses H5 and Ill, resiliently maintain the frame H0 in its upper or inactive position.

Means are provided for urging the frame IID downwardly into printing position. This means comprises a solenoid I25 secured to the back wall of the head I-a and having an armature or plunger I28 pivotally secured to. a pair of projecting ears I2I on the frame H0. The solenoid I25, upon energization, pulls the frame I I downwardly, against the force of springs I23 and I24, to printing position; when the solenoid is deenergized, the frame is returned to its upper, inactive position by the springs I23 and I24.

A small electric motor I30, mounted on the back of the frame IIO, serves to advance the film 8. Thus, the driving sprocket H4 is fixed on a shaft I3I rotatably mounted in the frame I I3, and having a bevel gear I32 secured thereon in back of the frame IIO. This gear I32 meshes with a gear I33 secured on a shaft I34 extending lengthwise along the back of the frame, and supported at one end by a bearing I35 on the frame H0. The motor I30 drives the shaft I34 through suitable reduction gearing enclosed in a casing I33, which casing provides a bearing for the adjacent end of the shaft I34.

As is common practice, the magazine II2 receiving the exposed film 8 has an arbor or spindle (not shown) on which the film is wound, such spindle having an extension through the plate IIO-a, carrying a pulley I31 connected by a friction belt I38 with a pulley I39 on the driving sprocket shaft I3I. In this way, the exposed film is wound in the magazine II2 as it is advanced by the sprocket II4. Belt I38 may be formed of a fine coiled spring.

A cam operated gang switch, generally indicated by I40, and which will be described in detail hereinafter, serves, among other things, to control the motor I30. The arrangement is such that, when the frame IIII returns to its upper inactive position, the motor I30 is energized, and continues energized until it has driven the shaft I34 one complete turn, after which the motor is deenergized. The bevel gears I32 and I33 are so proportioned, with respect to the diameter of the driving sprocket H4, that one turn of the shaft I34 serves so to advance the film 0 that the exposed portion on the pressure foot IIO-b is replaced by unexposed film.

To ensure against overrunning of the motor I33 after deenergization, and resultant waste of film 8, it, may be desirable to provide a magnetic brake indicated at It I. Such brakes for stopping a motor upon deenergization are well known and commercially available.

Referring to the viewing apertures I, these 4 serve, in addition to permitting inspection of the negative 3, to facilitate its location so that the frames thereon properly register with the light wells I (Figs. 1 and 5). Thus, the viewing apertures comprise a series of light wells I45 substantially identical with the light wells I5, correspending in size with the frames on the negative 3. These wells I45 are closed at their upper end by a glass plate H6, appropriately held in grooved guides along which the negative 3 is guided, and are lighted through a translucent or ground glass plate I41 by a suitable source I48. Guide rollers I49 may be provided at that end of the plate I43 remote from the head I-a,

The light wells I45 are spaced from the light wells I5 by a distance equal to a whole number of frames on the negative 3. Thus, when frames on the negative on the viewing apertures 'I are in register with the wells I45, the frames on the printing openings 5 will likewise be in register with the wells I5,

To determine that a given sequence of nega tive frames are in register with the wells I5 for printing, the number of the wells I45 may exceed by one the number of wells I5, plus the number of frames represented by the distance between the series of wells I5 and the series of wells I45. A much larger section of film 3 than is required to be printed at one time is viewed through wells and the operator cam determines which portion of that section be desired to be tested. Thus, referring to Figs. 1 and 5, upon movement of the negative 3 toward the left to position that frame originally in register with the right-hand viewing well I-a in register with the left-hand viewing well I45-b, the frame originally registering with the left-hand viewing well I45-b will register with the left-hand printing well I5-b. Additional frames will also register with the other printing wells, in accordance with the number of wells in each series, as well as in the distance between the series.

As shown, there are eleven wells I5, in the printing series 4, and the spacing from the viewing series I equals six frames. There are thus eighteen wells I45 inthe viewing series I. Accordingly, upon movement of the negative 3 as just described, the eleven frames at the left-hand end of the sequence will be in printing position.

In l, the viewing apertures "I are to right of the housing I. vThus, the negative 3 may be fed from right to left as thetesting progresses; that is, the negative is wound from the reel 5, viewed or inspected at the apertures I, thence advanced into position on apertures 4 for test printing, and thereafter wound on reel 6.

Obviously, the viewing apertures I may be located on the left-hand side of the housing I, in which case the film will progress from left to right as the testing proceeds. If desired, the negative 3 may be Wound from left to right, with the arrangement shown. In this case, the negative 3 is unwound frctn the reel 6, passed over the series of apertures 4 and I, and wound on the reel 5. When a portion is observed which it is desired to test, the direction of motion is reversed to place the portion in printing position over the apertures 4.

It is necessary that the raw film 8 be in proper printing relation with the negative 3 before being exposed, and that the light be interrupted before the film is moved. Additionally, it is desirable to avoid double exposure of any part of the film 3. Accordingly, an electrical system is provided for ensuring a proper sequence of operations, initiated by operation of a push button.

Referring to Fig. 11, a normally open pushbutton operated switch is indicated by the numeral I50. When closed, the switch I serves to connect the winding I5I of a relay I52 across a pair of power mains I53 and I54, provided certain safety and operating switches are closed, which is their normal condition. This circuit may be traced as follows: from the main I53, via leads I55, I56, safety switch I51, lead I58, the push-button switch I50, leads I59, I60, winding 55, leads IGI, I62, operating switch I63, lead I64, switch I65 of the gang switch I40, and leads I66, I61 to main I54.

The relay I52 has a pair of contacts I68 controlling the solenoid I25, and a pair of holding contacts I paralleling the push-button switch 550, and which are closed upon energization of the winding I5I. The'solenoid I25 is then energized as follows: from the main I53, leads I55, I70, solenoid I25, lead I'II, contacts I68, and thence to main I54 via lead I52, switch I63, lead I34, switch I65, and leads I65, I61. The holding circuit may be traced as follows: from main I53, leads I12, I13 contacts I69, leads I14, I60, winding III, and thence to main I54 via leads I6I, I62, etc.,'as before. Thus. when the push-button switch I50 is released, the relay I52 remains closed, maintaining the solenoid I25 energized so long as switches I63 and I65 are closed.

When energized, the solenoid I25 moves the printer frame H downwardly from its upper, inactive position. As shown in Fig. 11, one of the upper bosses I I5, on frame IIO, carries a projection I15 which maintains the safety switch I51 closed only, when the frame H0 is in its upper position. Accordingly, as soon as the frame IIO has moved downwardly a short distance, switch I51 is allowed to open. This opens the connection between main I53 and the pushbutton switch I50, so that the switch I50 loses control of the relay I52 which, however, is maintained closed by the holding circuit just described. Accordingly, it is not possible to interfete with the proper operation of the apparatus by holding the switch I50 closed.

As the frame IIO reaches its lower or active position, placing the film 8 in'proper printing relation with the negative 3, a projection I16 on the frame boss II6 closes the normally open switch I11. To permit accurate timing of the switch opening with respect to the position of the frame IIO, the projection I18 is vertically adjustable on the boss H6. Closing of switch I 11 causes energization of the pendulum releasing solenoid 83 as follows: from main I53, leads I12, I18, solenoid 93, lead I19, switch I11, and leads I80, I61 to main I54.

Energization of the solenoid 83 operates the latch mechanism 60 to release the pendulum 55 for movement to cause the shutter 54 to open and then close, as previously described. Upon return of the pendulum 55 to its normal position, the switch I63.is momentarily opened, breaking the previously described connection between winding II and main I54, which allows the relay I52 to open and deenergize the solenoid I25.

When the solenoid I25 is deenergized, the frame IIO starts upward from its printing position, which movement obviously should not occur until the pendulum 55hasreturned to its normal position, preventing passage of light to the film 8. Accordingly, the switch I63 is arranged to be unaffected by movement of the pendulum 55 away from its normal position.

Referring to Fig. 11, the switch I63 comprises a disc-like member I85, pivotally mounted at I 86' to the'back wall of thehousing I- below the pivotal support 56 of the pendulum 55. The member I85 has an upward extension I81 carrying a closed tube I88 of suitable insulating material, such as glass, containing a small pool oi mercury I89. A pair of electrodes I90 and I9! extend through the tube I88 at-the right-hand end so as to be bridged by the mercury when the tube I88 is inclined toward'said end. When the 9 tube is oppositely inclined, the mercury I89 flows beyond the extension I94, sons-to be engaged by 10 a pin 200 extending from the pendulum rod 60.

When the pendulum 55 swings to the left, from its normal position, pin 200 engages the right-hand side of lever I96 which swings clockwise about its pivot I91 to permit the pin 200 to pass, member I and tube I88 remaining in circuit-closing position. When the pendulum 55 returns from the right to its normal position, pin 200 engages the left-hand side of the lever I96 which, being stopped against counter-clockwise movement by engagement with the stop I98, causes member I85 to swing counter-clockwise through a, sufficient angle to allow the pin 200 to pass the lever I96. Thereupon, the member I85 is returned to its normal position by the spring I92. This counter-clockwise movement of the member I85 serves to cause the mercury I89 to leave the electrodes I90 and I9I for a brief interval, deenergizing the winding I5! and allowing the relay I52 to open.

Upward movement of the frame IIO opens the switch I11, deenergizing solenoid 03 and allowing bell crank 8| and operating lever 18 of the latch mechanism 60 to return to normal position. As the frame II 0 reaches its upper position, a switch 282 is closed for energizing the film winding motor I30, circuit being traced as follows: from main I53, leads I12, 203, motor I30, lead 204, switch 202, leads 205, I61, to main I54.

The switch 202 is incorporated with switch I65 in the gang switch I40, which will now be described (see Fig. 11). A cam member 2I0 of insulating material is rotatably mounted on the shaft I34. This member 2I0 has axially spaced, concentric cylindrical cam surfaces 2 and M2 formed thereon, the surface 2 having a raised cam surface 2| I-a of limited angular extent, the surface 2I2 having a depressed cam surface 2I2-a of limited angular extent. An additional cam surface 2 I3, having a tooth or step 2I3-a, is also provided. As shown, these surfaces 2II, 2I2 and 2I3 are of different diameters, but this is merely to clarify the showing, and they could as well be equal diameters or of other relative diameters than those shown.

The cam member 2I0 is provided with an arcuate slot 2I4 cooperating with a pin 2I5 carried by a disc 2I6, secured on the shaft I34 to form a lost motion connection between the cam member 2I0 and the shaft I34. The cam member 2I0 is shown in the position it occupies upon the completion of a printing cycle; switch IE5 is closed, since the operating extension thereof I55-a is in the cam depression 2I2-a, switch 202 is open, since the operating extension thereof 202-a is engaged by the raised cam surface 2II-a, and the step 2I3-a is facing upwardly, adjacent the fixed collar I2I.

An actuator 2H for the switch I40 is pivoted at 2I8 on the collar I2I. A tension spring 2I9 engages an extension 2I1-a of the actuator 2I1 and urges the actuator in a counter-clockwise direction. As previously mentioned, the shaft I34 is mounted on the frame IIO, together with the motor I30 and the gang switch I 40. Thus, as the frame IIO moves down, the step 2I8-a moves past the actuator 2I1, which thereupon swings counter-clockwise to engage the stop 220, and assumes a position for operating the cam member 2I0 upon return movement of the frame IIO.

Upon return movement of the frame H0, the actuator 2I1 engages the step 2I3a just before reaching its upper limit of movement, and rotates the cam member 2I0 through a small angle on the shaft I34, such movement being perarea by the slot and pin connection 2'l4'f2l5'.

The parts are so proportioned and arranged that sufficient angular movement is imparted to the member 2 H] to cause cam surface 2| l-a to allow switch 202 to close, energizing the motor I39, and to cause cam surface ZIZ-a to open switch I65.

After the shaft I34 has been turned through an angle equaling the angular advance of .the member 2|0 by the actuator 2H, pin 215, by engaging the end of slot 2M, rotates the cam member through one turn, whereupon the switch 292 is opened, deenergizing the motor I30, and switch I65 is closed. As the cam member 2H1 rotates, the actuator 21'! drags on, the

cam surface 2l3 with a slight force due to the spring 2I9, and swings clockwise about its pivot 2l8 as the cam surface is of increasing radius.

When the frame I reaches its upper inactive position, projection H5 closes the switch I51, re-

storing control of the apparatus to the push-button I50. The switch I55, when open, prevents energization of the relay winding i5l. Thus, it ensures that a cycle of operations, once started,

must be completed before starting another cycle, 1, preventing double exposure of any portion of the film 8.

In using the apparatus, the negative 3 is inspected by the aid of the viewing apertures 1, and a chosen sequence of frames is then positioned for printing, as previously explained. One or more prints are then made on the film 8, employing various color filters. After exposure and development, the film 8 is inspected to judge the quality of the negative, as well as the suitability of the various light apertures and filters employed for correcting the negative. The quality of the film 8, and its response to various light conditions, may also be judged.

To aid in determining the size of aperture used for a given frame, the glass plate l8 over the light wells l5 has identifying indicia thereon, indicated at 239 in Fig. 5, for the various apertures, which indicia will appear on the film 8 when finished. Corresponding indicia 23! may be provided for the light wells I 25 to enable the user to correlate a given frame with a given well I5.

The inventor claims:

1. In apparatus of the character described:

means for locating negative film in a predeter- 3 preventing passage of light from said source to;

the negative film; electromagnetically operated means for controlling the movement of said shutter; a circuit for said electromagnetically operated means; and means operable upon arrival of said support in film printing position for controlling said circuit to effect shifting of said shutter from the path of light from said source.

2. In apparatus of the character described: means for locating negative film in a predetermined position; a support for raw film; means for sh fting said support to place said raw film in printing relation to the negative film; a source for passing light to said negative film; a shutter for preventing passage of light fromsaid source to the negative film; electromagnetically ope'r-z ated means for controlling the movement of said shutter; a circuit for sa d electromagnetically operated means; said circuit being completed by said support upon arrival of said support in film printing position.

3. In apparatus of the character described-z means for locating negative film in a predetermined'position; a support for raw film; electromagnetically operated means for shifting said support to place said raw film in printing relation to the negative film; a circuit for said electromagnetically operated means; a source of light for said negative film; a shutter for controlling passage of light from said source to said negative film; means for effecting opening of said shutter in response to the arrival of said support to film printing position; and means for controlling the circuit to said electromagnetically operated means to effect shifting of said support from film printing position upon return of said shutter to closed position.

4. In apparatus of the character described: means for locating negative film in a predetermined position; a support for raw film; electromagnetically operated means for shifting said support to place said raw film in printing relation to the negative film; a circuit for said electromagnetically operated means; a source of light for said negative film; means for determining passage of light from said source to said negative film; and means for controlling the circuit to said electromagnetically operated means to effect shifting of said support from film printing position upon interrupting of light from said source.

5. In apparatus of the character described: means for locating negative film in a predetermined position; a support for raw film; electromagnetically operated means for shifting said support to place said raw film in printing relation to the negative film; a first circuit for said electromagnetically operated means; a source of light for said negative film; a shutter for preventing passage of light from said source to the negative film; a second circuit including electromagnetically operated means for controlling the movement of said shutter; means operable upon arrival of said support in film printing position to control said second circuit to effect shifting of said shutter to open position; and means operable by said shutter upon its return to closed position for de-energizing said first circuit to effect shifting of said support from film printing position.

6. Inapparatus of the character described: means for locating a negative film in a predetermined position; a support for raw film; means for feeding said raw film along said support; electromagnetically operated means for shiftin said support to place said raw film in printin relation to the negative film; a circuit for said electromagnetically operated means; and means vcontrolled by said feeding means for holding said circuit open during operation of said feeding means.

'7. In apparatus of the character described: means for locating negative film in a predetermined position; a support for raw film; means for feeding said raw film along said support, comprising an electric motor; a first circuit for said motor; electromagnetically operated means for shifting said support to place said raw film in printing relation to the negative film; a second circuit for said electromagnetically operated means; means operated by said feeding means for holding said second circuit open during rotation of said electric motor, said holding means being rendered ineffective upon arrival of said film feeding means at a predetermined position; and means-operable byv said feeding meansupon openinzsain firstcircuit. 1 v

8. In apparatus of the character described: means for locating negative film in a predetermined position; a support for raw film; means for feeding said raw film along said support, comprising an electric motor; a first circuit for saidmotor; electromagnetically operated means for shifting said support to place said raw film in printing relation to the negative film; a second circuit for said electromagnetically operated means; means operated by said feeding means for holding said-second circuitopen during rotation of said electric motor, said holding means being rendered lnefiective upon arrival of said filmteedin'g means at a predetermined position; means operable by said feeding means upon its arrival'at said predeterminedposition for opening said first circuit; a source for passing light to the negative film; a shutter for controlling such passage-of light; means for effecting opening of said shutter in response to arrival of said support at the filmprinting position; and means operable by said shutter for efiecting opening of said second circuit upon return of said shutter to closed position.

9. In apparatus of the character described: means forming a printing aperture; a movable support for raw fiim to position said raw film with respect to said printing aperture; a source for passing light to said printing aperture; shutter for controlling said l ght source; means responsive to the arrival "of said support to printing relation formoving said shutter through one cycle of operation wherein said shutter uncovers said source for a predetermined period; means for advancing said raw film on said support; and circuit means for said film advancing means, including a circuit controller operable upon the retraction of said support away from printing relation.

10. In apparatus of the character described: means forming a printing aperture; a movable support for raw film to position said raw film with respect to said printing aperture; a source for passing light to said printing aperture; a shutter for controlling said light source; means responsive to the arrival of said support to printing relation for moving said shutter through one cycle of operation wherein said shutter uncovers said source for a predetermined period; means for advancing said raw film on said support; circuit means for said film advancing means, including a circuit controller operable upon the retraction of said support away from printing relation; and means cooperating with said circuit controller and operable upon a predetermined movement of said film advancing means to open said circuit controller.

11. In apparatus of the character described: means forming a printing aperture; a movable support for raw film to position said raw film with respect to said printing aperture; a source for passing light to said printing aperture; a shutter for controlling said light source; means responsive to the arrival of said support to printing relation for moving said shutter through one complete cycle of operation, wherein said shutter uncovers said source for a predetermined period; electromagnetic means for moving said support to position said raw film with respect to said aperture; a circuit for said electromagnetic means, including: a switch; a holding circuit for said switch: and means operated by the return of said shutter to source closingpositlon to open said holding circuit and said switch.

12. In apparatus of the character described: means forming a printing aperture; a movable support for raw film to position said raw film with respect to said printing aperture; a source of light adapted to pass light rays to said'printing aperture; cyclic means for controlling said source to expose said raw film to light rays for a predetermined time; and means responsive to the arrival of said support to printing relation to initiate the operation of said cyclic means.

13. In apparatus of the character described: means forming a printing aperture; a movable support for raw film to position said raw film with respect to said print aperture; a source of light adapted to pass light rays to said printing aperture; cyclic means for controlling said source to expose said raw film to light rays for a predetermined time; mezms responsive to the arrival of said support to printing relation to initiate the operation of said cyclic means; electromagnetic means for moving said support to position said raw film with respect to said aperture; a circuit for said electromagnetic means, including a switch; a holding circuit for said switch; and means operated by the cyclic means upon the termination of cyclic exposure of said raw film to said source for momentarily interrupting said holding circuit.

14. In apparatus of the character described: means forming a printing aperture; a movable support for raw film to position said raw film with respect to said printing aperture; a source of light adapted to pass light rays to said printing aperture; cyclic means for controlling said source to expose said raw film to light rays for a predetermined time; means responsive to the arrival of said support to printing relation to operate said cyclic means; electromagnetic means for moving said support to position said raw film with respect to said aperture; a circuit for said electromagnetic means, including a switch; a holding circuit for said switch; means operated by the cyclic means upon the termination of cyclic exposure of said raw film to said source momentarily to interrupt said holding circuit; means for advancing said raw film on said support; and circuit means for said film advancing means, including a circuit controller operable to energize said film advancing means in response to the retraction of said support away from printing relation.

15. In apparatus of the character described: means forming a printing aperture; a movable support for raw film to position said raw film with respect to said printing aperture; a source of light adapted to pass light rays to said printing aperture; cyclic means for controlling said source to expose said raw film to light rays for a predetermined time; means responsive to the arrival of said support to printing relation to operate said cyclic means; electromagnetic means for moving said support to position said raw film with respect to said aperture; a circuit for said electromagnetic means, including a switch; a holding circuit for said switch; means operated by the cyclic means upon the termination of cyclic exposure of said raw film to said source momentarily to interrupt said holding circuit; means for advancing said raw film on said sup port; circuit means for said film advancing means, including a circuit controller; a cam member for operating said circuit controller; a

lost motion'connection between said cam member and said film advancing means; and means responsive to the retraction of said support from printing relation to move said cam member to close said circuit controller.

16. In apparatus of the character described: means forming a printing aperture; a movable support for raw film to position said raw film with respect to said printing aperture; a source of light adapted to pass light rays to said printing aperture; cyclic means for controlling said source to expose said raw film to light rays for a predetermined time; means responsive to the arrival of said support to printing relation to operate said cyclic means; electromagnetic means for moving said support to position said raw film with respect to said aperture; a circuit for said electromagnetic means, including a switch; a holding circuit for said switch; means operated by the cyclic means upon the termination of cyclic exposure of said raw film to said source momentarily to interrupt said holding circuit; means for advancing said raw film on said support; circuit means for said film advancing means, including a first circuit controller; a cam member for operating said first circuit controller; a lost motion connection between said cam member and said film advancing means; means responsive to the retraction of said support from printing relation to move said cam member to close said first circuit controller; a second circuit controller for said circuit for said electromagnetic means; and means opening said second circuit controller when said first circuit controller is closed.

ARTHUR E. REEVES.

16 REFERENCES crrnn The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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